Bedford-Stuyvesant colloquially known as Bed-Stuy has been called “Diverse and Changing” by the NY Times. This statement certainly holds when one examines the diverse culture of the enclave, making it a melting pot of numerous cultures and races. In the past two decades, the enclave has been swept by the gentrification wave hitting all over New York.
These factors make this enclave the perfect choice for you to buy your house whether it’s your first home or are looking for a property to start your real estate investment journey. The amazing nightlife makes the neighborhood makes it the perfect choice for millennials looking for a place to call their home.
The enclave is not only for the young and hip community of the city but it is perfect for new families and who are looking to raise their kids while being in the heart of the city. The neighborhood offers a strange paradox where the neighborhood is big enough to call a city on its own but the close sense of community and an amazing living environment will give you the coziness of a town.
The enclave consists of four neighborhoods. Namely, Bedford, Ocean Hill, Weeksville, and the crown jewel of Bed-Stuy, the Stuyvesant heights Neighborhood.
Let’s discuss why you should consider the Bed-Stuy neighborhood when looking to buy or rent a home in Brooklyn brownstone.
Location
The Bed-Stuy enclave is located in the central part of Brooklyn. The neighborhood shares its borders with Broadway from the east, Atlantic Avenue from the south, Classon Avenue to the west, and Flushing Avenue to the north. From its location, it is apparent that the neighborhood can easily be considered the heart of Brooklyn.
With easy access through the subway and local busses, this neighborhood is a convenient heaven. The liberal-minded population and the spectacular nightlife and day life makes the location a dream to live in.
History and Lifestyle
The Stuyvesant Heights neighborhood is one of the most historically rich neighborhoods in Brooklyn. Populated in the early 1600s, the neighborhood was made in the 1640s by Peter Stuyvesant hence the name. the early gentrification was done in the early and mid-1800s. Where the neighborhood was linked with Bedford in the 1900s.
The neighborhood is one of the most sought after neighborhoods in the area. With a rich culture and a hip and lively nightlife, the neighborhood is perfect for all the entertainment seekers. The neighborhood hosts some of the most happening clubs, bars, hotels, and restaurants.
The historical background of the neighborhood is evident from its Victorian-era architecture and brownstone buildings. The classic designs of these buildings will make you feel like you just walked through a time machine.
We have selected some of the most happening and hip bars and clubs in the neighborhood, to get your social life started on a high!
1. Tip Top Bar & Grill
It is one of the oldest bars on our list. It can be classified more as a dive bar which has been working for over forty years. But this is not your ordinary bar, this one is special as it is a family-run business. The beautiful décor and welcoming ambiance made this bar an easy pick for our list.
2. Bar Lunatico
Part cocktail bar and part restaurant, this is a cute little bar working in Bed-Stuy. No matter when you walk into it you will feel that the bar was worth the hype. With delicious food and an amazing collection of drinks, this bar is certainly one of the best bars in the city.
3. Casablanca Lounge
Just like it sounds, Casablanca is a retro club located in the neighborhood. This cash-only spot will certainly make you feel like you jumped into a 60s movie. With low hanging tin ceilings and dim lighting, this bar is certainly one to visit.
4. Dynaco
If you move into this place and don’t go for a beer at Dynaco’s then you are not utilizing the neighborhood to its full potential. The club is a chic modern club which is an amazing place to hang out and have fun.
5. Chilo’s
If you are a fan of authentic tacos then, Chilo’s is the place to be. With scrumptious tacos, this food truck will satisfy all your Mexican cravings.
Health and Safety
The neighborhood comes under the jurisdiction of the NYPD and the NY Fire Department. The neighborhood is patrolled by the 79th and 81st precinct. There are seven fire stations which are active in the Bed-Stuy area. These factors make the neighborhood the perfect place to raise a family as you will sleep in peace knowing that New York’s finest are on their job to protect you at all times.
The neighborhood comes with plenty of hospitals and clinics. The biggest of them being the Woodhull Medical Center and Interfaith Medical Center.
Schools and Libraries
The neighborhood has plenty of schools and libraries to make sure that your children are prepared to face the world with high-quality education backing them up. The area hosts private schools and community schools to cater to residents of all economic backgrounds.
Similarly, the neighborhood has some great libraries to satisfy your inner reader and which are perfect for any student looking to research for his term paper. The neighborhood hosts four branches of Brooklyn Public Library. Which will be perfect for the restless reader inside you.
Reasonable Prices and Affordable Rent
One of the best things about Bed-Stuy is that the prices of properties in the neighborhood are extremely low as compared to properties in Manhattan and some other lauded areas of Brooklyn. As there are plenty of Bedford-Stuyvesant houses for sale, this is the perfect time to invest. This hidden gem has some of the most beautiful condos and apartments starting at just 700,000 USD.
If you are looking to rent an apartment, then this neighborhood would already be at top of your list. Not only the rents are very affordable as compared to other more central areas but also it is just 10 stops away from the Midtown and that too not on the L-Train.
Heaven for First-Timers
There should be no surprise that the neighborhood is considered a mecca for first-timers. With low rates (for now) and an intense cultural ambiance, the neighborhood can be considered nothing short of heaven for our low-budget buyers.
Moreover, the location is perfect for young professionals and families to live as the area is rich with culture and local flavor. You can not only find international brands and chains, but also local companies and restaurants which will certainly leave you wanting more.
Historical Landmarks and Attractions
The neighborhood is filled with historical landmarks that will certainly take you back to the simpler times of the 1800s. One of the best things you can do is taking a stroll down Bed-Stuy’s beautiful, tree-lined blocks. This is a must for any architecture buff. Built between 1870 and 1900, the historic district is located north to Jefferson Avenue, east to Malcolm X Boulevard, and west to Tompkins Avenue.
Make sure to stop by MacDonough Street, which has been a competitor in the annual Greenest Block in Brooklyn contest. In addition to being extremely pretty, each building has a rich cultural history and the neighborhoods are sure to make a nice walk.
Commute
Unbeknownst to most people, Bed-Stuy is just a few buses stop away from Mid-town and Broadway. If you are a professional looking for a great place to stay while having a great commute to your workplace, then Bed-Stuy is the place to be. The neighborhood offers several commute options for its residents. Whether it’s the bus or the subway, you can find it all.
Notable People and Pop Culture
Due to its historic presence and cheap residence, the neighborhood has been home to several famous personalities throughout the years. Famous rapper Jay Z spent most of his childhood in this neighborhood. Moreover, one of the most prolific chess players of all time, Bobby Fischer, also hailed from Bed-Stuy.
This neighborhood has also been mentioned multiple times in pop culture. Billy Joel’s song “You May Be Right” includes the mention of Bedford-Stuy. Chris Rock has mentioned Bed-Stuy in his series “Everybody hates Chris”.
Conclusion
If homes in Stuyvesant heights are for sale, then you shouldn’t have to think again. Go to your realtor and get your future home in this neighborhood now. The Bed-Stuy neighborhood offers an amazing nightlife as well as the perfect living environment that you need to raise a family. With beautiful architecture and historic Victorian-era buildings, you will certainly feel like living in royalty at very affordable prices.
This neighborhood offers something for everyone. Whether you are a professional looking to find a place to live with an easy commute to work, or a millennial who wants a peaceful lifestyle with a happening nightlife, or a young family who is looking to have great schools in the neighborhood, this neighborhood has it all.